Speedwell Herbal Uses and
Medicinal Properties

Ivy Leaf Speedwell Veronica
hederifolia

Speedwell is considered to be diuretic,
expectorant, stomachic, tonic. Speedwell
was once a highly regarded in England as a
healthy, relaxing, herbal tea and tonic. As
with most astringent, bitter herbs, an infusion
of speedwell can be used as a wash for troubled
skin. Recent studies have shown Speedwell tea
may be an effective preventative treatment for
ulcers. It is most often used been used for
coughs and congestion.

In modern herbal medicine, speedwell tea,
brewed from the dried flowering plant,
sometimes serves as a coughremedy or as a lotion for irritated or
infected skin. The somewhat bitter and
astringent taste and tea like smell of
speedwell led to its use as a tea substitute
in 19th-century France, where it was called
the d’Europe, or "Europe tea."
The French still use this term as anamefor
speedwell.

The Emperor Charles the Fifth of Spain is said
to have derived much relief to his gout from
the use of this herb. It contains tannin, and a
particular bitter principle.

Experimental anti-ulcer activity of
Veronica officinalis L. extracts.
Scarlat M, Sandor V, Tamas M, Cuparencu
B.
Abstract
In indomethacin-induced ulcers in
albino rats, the anti-ulcerogenic
effects of some extracts prepared from
Veronica officinalis L. were
investigated. The extracts had a
significant anti-ulcerogenic activity.
In ulcer healing experiments performed
in rats by administering reserpine, the
extracts were found to enhance the
regeneration of the gastric mucosa.
These results seem to confirm the
popular observations according to which
the decoction from Veronica officinalis
L. possessed useful properties in the
treatment of gastric ulcers. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4021513

"Although speedwell has
a reputation, especially in Europe, as a healer
of all illnesses, it is used primarily as an
expectorant for respiratory problems. It has
also been used for stomach ailments, migraine
headache, and as a gargle for mouth and throat
soars, The fresh juice taken in large
quantities is helpful for gout, and it can also
be used externally to relieve chronic skin
problems."
http://www.consider-the-lilies.org/Speedwell.htm

Habitat and Description

The Speedwells of my area are tiny yard
weeds and also found in ditches in early
spring. It may cover large areas of
ground, but is inconspicuous due to its small
stature. However, if you look close you will
see a dainty medicinal beauty with either blue
flowers, or white flowers striped with blue.

Distribution - From Michigan and
Tennessee eastward, also from Ontario to Nova
Scotia. Probably an immigrant from Europe and
Asia.

How to Grow Speedwells

Speedwells are common yard weeds that can
become invasive, and are often grown as ground
cover. They thrive in poor damp soil. Most
speedwells are annuals and grow easily from
seeds from the previous year’s flowers.

History and Folklore

The name speedwell comes from an old
meaning of the word speed, "thrive."
The scientific term Veronica goes back some 500
years and is apparently connected with the name
of the legendary Veronica, who is said to have
wiped the face of Jesus as He went to Calvary.
It is possible that the genus Veronica was
named after her because the flowers supposedly
resemble the markings left on the cloth with
which she wiped Jesus’ face.

The Germans also name this plant
Ehren-preis, or Prize of Honour; which
fact favours the supposition of its being the
true "Forget-me-not," or souveigne
vous de moy, as legendary on knightly
collars of yore to commemorate a famous joust
fought in 1465 between the most accomplished
champions of England and France.

Recipe

Speedwell may be used for herbal tea. Use
1-2 tsp. of dried herb per cup of hot water.
Speedwell can also be used in skin preparations
such as lotions or herbal salves.

Sources

Books

The Herb Book by John
Lust
Covers almost 500 medicinal plants, including
many native species, as well as recipes for
many herbal concoctions. A wealth of
information in an inexpensive paperback
edition.

Wildflowers of Tennessee by Jack B. Carman

Indian Herbology of North America - Alma
Hutchens Out of Print, used copies on
Amazon.com

I am not a medical professional. The information on
the web site is not intended to diagnose, prevent,
treat or prescribe any condition. The FDA does not
condone natural healing, and does not approve of
anything on this web site.